Government Commits to Libraries in Every Primary School by 2029

The UK government has announced a plan to establish a library in every primary school in England by 2029, addressing the current lack of library facilities in approximately 1,700 schools. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves unveiled this initiative during a speech at the Labour Party's annual conference, committing over £10 million to the project, which will be funded through dormant assets identified in the government's spending review.

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The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance literacy and reading enjoyment among children, particularly as the National Literacy Trust reports that only one in three children currently enjoys reading, the lowest figure in two decades. The Libraries for Primaries campaign, co-founded by the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Books, aims to transform library spaces in primary schools and has already provided access to diverse books for nearly half a million children since its inception in 2021.

Libraries for Primaries campaign celebrates major milestone as government commits to universal primary school libraries

Rachel Reeves, as Chancellor, is spearheading this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing every child with equal opportunities regardless of their background. The National Literacy Trust, along with authors like Cressida Cowell and illustrators such as Axel Scheffler, have expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the critical role of libraries in fostering a love for reading and improving children's futures.

Libraries for Primaries campaign celebrates major milestone as government commits to universal primary school libraries

While the announcement has been largely welcomed, there are concerns regarding the practical implementation of the libraries. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders' union, pointed out potential challenges related to space and staffing in schools. He hopes that the funding will also address these issues. The School Library Association echoed this sentiment, stressing that successful library operations require adequate skills and resources for maintenance and promotion.

Libraries for every primary school in England, says government

Rachel Reeves stated, “It is our mission to give every child the best start in life, regardless of their background or where they’re from. This announcement is a key milestone in achieving that.” Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, welcomed the pledge but urged that it must be a first step in addressing chronic funding shortfalls affecting schools. He noted, “With one in 10 children not having a book at home, school libraries encourage reading for pleasure.”

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• “School libraries break down barriers to opportunity by giving every child, no matter their background, access to a treasure trove of stories that can feed their curiosity, put them in the shoes of others and help them understand more about the world and their place in it. Today’s announcement ensures that every child in England can gain from the life-changing benefits of reading - a vital step toward boosting the futures of a generation.” — Richard Osman, Author

Libraries for Primaries campaign celebrates major milestone as government commits to universal primary school libraries

• “ - Richard Osman, Author “I am absolutely thrilled with the government’s commitment to put a library in every primary school in England.” — Cressida Cowell, Children’s Laureate (2019-2022)

Libraries for Primaries campaign celebrates major milestone as government commits to universal primary school libraries

• “A school library is more than just a room full of books – it’s a place where imaginations grow, confidence builds and a lifelong love of reading takes root.” — Axel Scheffler, Children’s Illustrator

Libraries for Primaries campaign celebrates major milestone as government commits to universal primary school libraries

The government plans to provide further details on the implementation of this initiative in the coming months. Schools will be encouraged to register their interest in participating in the Libraries for Primaries transformation during the 2025/26 academic year, marking a significant step towards enhancing literacy and educational resources for children across England.

Libraries for Primaries campaign celebrates major milestone as government commits to universal primary school libraries